Al McWilliams

For the first time in two years most parking rates in Ann Arbor could be going up in January. Downtown Development Authority board members say the increase is needed but some downtown business owners want more services in return.

This includes better snow removal, planting flowers, and more removal of cigarette butts and litter.Jerusalem Garden owner Ali Ramlawi is concerned the price hike will continue the negative perception many have about parking in Ann Arbor. He questions the need for the increase. "Giving a holiday, maybe saying hey we made so much money lets give one day or three days during the Christmas season free parking. Help encourage and not just saying well, listen, we can squeeze a little bit more out of this cause we can, cause this is where the lines intersect on the supply and demand chart," Ramlawi says.